Cab Aggregator Norms: Maharashtra Govt Seeks Suggestions From Public

A panel formed by the Maharashtra government to frame the rules and regulations for cab aggregators platforms like Ola, Uber and Rapido operating in the state has reportedly invited suggestions from the general public on the issue.

Citizens can suggest any regulation that they believe will help develop the ride-hailing sector. They can also recommend features for a cab aggregator’s mobile app or even inside the cabs,  news agency PTI quoted a senior transport commissionerate official as saying. 

“The Maharashtra government is in the process of preparing regulations for the operation of cab aggregators taking into consideration the guidelines issued by the Centre for firms like Ola, Uber etc. Citizens can refer to the guidelines available on the website of the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways,” the officer added. 

The development comes days after the Maharshtra government set up a panel of six members to form draft guidelines for cab aggregators.

The panel, headed by former IAS officer Sudhir Shrivastava, will submit its report to the state government in three months. It also includes senior officials from the state’s traffic and transport departments. 

The draft may include provisions to limit surge pricing and other aspects such as fortifying consumer redressal systems and other safety measures. It will also enable the state government to take action against cab aggregators in case of non-compliance of rules and regulations.

Earlier this year, the Maharashtra government banned all non-transport vehicles from offering ride pooling and aggregation services. Following this, Rapido challenged the state government’s ban and requested revocation of the order in the Bombay High Court. 

Aggregator platforms have been under the scanner of state governments for some time now. Earlier this year, the Delhi government banned aggregators like Ola, Uber and Rapido from operating bike taxi services, while the Karnataka government asked the aggregators last year to stop providing app-based auto rickshaw services.

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